Local Man Sets World Record for "Longest Nap," Sparks New Craze in Competitive Sleeping

In a groundbreaking event for both the nap and wellness communities, 34-year-old Ben Larkin of Des Moines, Iowa, has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest continuous nap, clocking in at an astonishing 28 hours and 14 minutes of uninterrupted sleep.

The feat began unexpectedly last Saturday afternoon when Larkin settled in for what he thought would be a quick power nap after a "pretty large" brunch of pancakes, bacon, and three egg-and-sausage burritos. However, it quickly became clear that this was no ordinary snooze.

“It’s like he entered another dimension,” said his roommate and unofficial “nap coach,” Kyle Farber, who reported that Ben snored “like a jackhammer at first,” but eventually reached a state of “almost supernatural quietness.”

As the hours ticked by, Larkin’s family and friends gathered in his apartment, torn between concern and awe. According to witnesses, there were moments of tension—particularly around the 12-hour mark—when everyone thought he might wake up. However, each time he seemed to stir, he only burrowed deeper into his blankets, mumbling incoherent phrases about “more syrup.”

The Social Media Craze

Larkin's marathon nap has already sparked a new social media craze dubbed "Competitive Snoozing," with sleep enthusiasts across the country eagerly documenting their own attempts at record-breaking naps. TikTok has been flooded with videos of people preparing elaborate "Nap Training Stations," complete with lavender pillows, noise-canceling earmuffs, and curated sleep playlists.

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“It’s really become a lifestyle,” says 22-year-old influencer Jenna Parks, who has gained over a million followers by streaming her sleep attempts. "I call it my 'Dream Aesthetic.' Now, if you need me, I'll be working on my REM stats.”

Doctors have yet to determine the long-term effects of such prolonged napping, but Ben remains unfazed. When he finally awoke, groggy but triumphant, his first words to the crowd waiting eagerly were, “Did I miss lunch?”

In related news: Ben has since signed a sponsorship deal with a popular mattress company and is considering a career as a “professional sleeper.” His first official event will be an appearance at the upcoming "SlumberCon 2024," where he’ll deliver a keynote on "Pajamas and the Pursuit of Peaceful Power Naps.”

After Helene — a Category 4 hurricane that has caused at least 228 deaths and nearly $88 billion in damage — Archard believed she would have to push back her wedding once again.